In the 2017 A T Kearney Global Retail Development Index report, which country was ranked as the top retail investment destination in the world?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to international economics and current affairs, focusing on the Global Retail Development Index prepared by the consulting firm A T Kearney. The index ranks emerging markets based on their attractiveness for retail investment. For candidates preparing for banking, SSC, UPSC prelims, and other competitive examinations, remembering which country topped this index in a given year is a common type of fact based question that tests awareness of global economic trends and India position in the world economy.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The year mentioned is 2017.
• The index is the A T Kearney Global Retail Development Index.
• Options include China, Russia, Nepal, and India.
• Only one of these countries was ranked first as the most attractive retail investment destination in that year.

Concept / Approach:
The concept here is simple factual recall. However, some reasoning can also help. The Global Retail Development Index considers factors like market size, attractiveness, risk, and saturation. In recent years, India has been highlighted repeatedly as a fast growing consumer market with improving regulatory conditions. This context supports the idea that India could move up or even reach the top position. By contrast, some other emerging markets have slowed down or face higher risks, which can reduce their attractiveness in such rankings.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Read the question carefully and identify the specific report and year, which are the 2017 Global Retail Development Index by A T Kearney.Step 2: Recall that in this edition of the report, India overtook China to become the number one destination in the index.Step 3: Examine the options: China, Russia, Nepal, and India. Among these, India and China are the major contenders based on market size and recent growth.Step 4: Remember that China had been on top earlier, but in 2017 many news reports highlighted that India moved to the first position.Step 5: Therefore, mark India as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can cross check using macro level reasoning. In 2017 India retail sector was experiencing rapid expansion with policy changes like relaxation of foreign direct investment norms and growing middle class consumption. Articles at that time talked about India as the most attractive retail destination. Other listed countries like Russia and Nepal do not match the same level of retail market buzz in that year, which further supports the choice of India as the top ranked country in the index.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• China: Although China had dominated earlier versions of the index, in 2017 India moved ahead to take the top spot.
• Russia: Russia is an important emerging market but did not secure the number one rank in the 2017 Global Retail Development Index.
• Nepal: Nepal retail market is relatively small and did not top this global ranking.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume that China is always number one in any emerging market ranking due to its size. Another pitfall is not paying attention to the year mentioned in the question. The ranking changes over time, so a candidate must link the correct year with the correct ordering of countries. Careless reading can also make aspirants confuse the Global Retail Development Index with some other index such as ease of doing business rankings.

Final Answer:
In the 2017 Global Retail Development Index, the country ranked first as the most attractive retail investment destination was India.